Welcome to a “Gal’s Guide to the NBA Playoffs” at

First of all, who is this chick?

Tina Cervasio is the Emmy Nominated New York Knicks

Reporter on the MSG Network. In her year-round roll, Tina can be found reporting from the sidelines, doing
pre-game interviews with the Head Coach and players, capturing players from the winning teams on the court
for a walk-off interview after the game, going one-on-one with players in the post-game locker room,
producing in-depth features for the pre-game show, and contributing to NBA draft and NBA Summer League
coverage. She is also the host and reporter for the New York Red Bulls telecasts, as well as other programming
on the nation’s longest running sports regional network based out of Madison Square Garden. Tina joined
MSG in 2008 as an anchor on the daily sports and entertainment news show “MSG,NY”, and over the last two
years she has also hosted the weekly show "Fans' Most Wanted: Knicks", which takes an in-depth look at
classic Knicks games, memorable players and the intense rivalries.
Prior to joining MSG, Cervasio was the Field Reporter for the Boston Red Sox, on the New England Sports
Network (NESN), where she reported live from the field in-game and for both the pre and post-game shows
from 2006 to 2008. Away from the ballpark she produced feature packages and exclusive interviews with
players. Over this period, Tina was nominated for multiple sports Emmys in the Boston/New England
chapter.
Before her time with NESN, Cervasio was a sports anchor and reporter on WCBS-TV (Ch. 2 New York), and
appeared on national programs as a reporter or anchor on NBC Sports, NFL Sunday Ticket and Animal Planet.
Cervasio has a strong background in radio, including work for the Olympic Games on Westwood One Radio.
At the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy, Cervasio served as the play-by-play announcer for Women's
Hockey, as well as an Update Anchor. At the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece, Cervasio served as the
play-by-play voice of men's and women's Gymnastics and contributed as a studio analyst for other
programming. Additional radio experience for Cervasio include NFL sideline reporting on Sports USA Radio,
20/20 update anchor on WFAN Sports Radio New York, sports anchor on "Imus in the Morning" on MSNBC
and WFAN, and traffic and news anchor for the Shadow Broadcasting Networks.

Now let’s talk hoops…

 1. What’s the NBA?

2. Who are the New York Knicks?

3. Who were the best teams EVER?

4. Who are the best players ever?

5. Who are the best players now?

6. How do you play the game?

a. NBA Court dimensions … (awesome for sports trivia)
b. Moving Forward, let’s get to the Point and Center in on positions …
c. Top of the Key Definitions to throw around at sports bars or the gym…
d. X’s and O’s of the most important rules…

7. How does the season work?

8. What the heck is going on in the playoffs?

a. Eastern Conference Championship
i. Boston Celtics
ii. Orlando Magic
b. Western Conference Championship
i. Los Angeles Lakers
ii. Phoenix Suns

9. Will the Knicks ever make it back to the playoffs?

a. Introducing… one of the men who will help take them there:
Knicks Assistant Coach Phil Weber

THE NBA SEASON DOESN’T END WITH THE FINALS

1. What is all this talk about free agency?

2. Who the heck are these free agents that are causing all this fuss?

3. Who’s on the Knicks now?

4. Who were the best Knicks?

5. How can I keep up, and keep talkin’ hoops?

 1. What’s the NBA?

The National Basketball Association …. It’s a men's professional basketball league in North
America made up of thirty 30 teams or franchises.

The league was originally founded in New York City on June 6, 1946 as the Basketball Association of
America (BAA). THEN the league adopted the name National Basketball Association in 1949 after merging
with the rival National Basketball League (NBL).

GO BACK … Canadian Dr. James Naismith created the game of basketball … wanted a non-violent game that
could be played inside. His simple rules created the concept of the game:
****A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket (peach basket) and
stays there, providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal.
FIRST GAME: Played in Toronto, Canada on Nov. 1, 1946.
Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers at Maple Leaf Gardens … 7,090 people attended
The Knicks won, 68-66, BUT That game was from a different era. Low-scoring, players did not double-pump
or slam-dunk, there was NOT a 24-second clock; teams had unlimited time to shoot. Coaches hated when
players took a jump shot and let their feet leave the floor.
TODAY: the NBA has 2 Conferences, split up into 3 Divisions:
EASTERN CONFERENCE WESTERN CONFERE NCE
ATLANTIC DIVISION SOUTHWEST DIVISION
Boston Celtics Dallas Mavericks
New Jersey Nets Houston Rockets
New York Knicks Memphis Grizzlies
Philadelphia 76ers New Orleans Hornets
Toronto Raptors San Antonio Spurs
CENTRAL DIVISION NORTHWEST DIVISION
Chicago Bulls Denver Nuggets
Cleveland Cavaliers Minnesota Timberwolves
Detroit Pistons Portland Trail Blazers
Indiana Pacers Oklahoma City Thunder
Milwaukee Bucks Utah Jazz
SOUTHEAST DIVISION PACIFIC DIVISION
Atlanta Hawks Golden State Warriors
Charlotte Bobcats Los Angeles Clippers
Miami Heat Los Angeles Lakers
Orlando Magic Phoenix Suns
Washington Wizards Sacramento Kings
 2. Who are the New York Knicks?
The New York Knickerbockers, are a charter member of the National Basketball Association and one of the
benchmark franchises of American sports. Madison Square Garden existed for (but in a different location than
33rd and 7th), and was granted a team on June 6, 1946.

(Knickerbokers: are Dutch settlers who came to the New World … especially New York, in the 1600’s. The
name refers to the style of pants they wore, rolled up just below the knee, “kinckers” or “Knickerbokers”.
They were New Yorkers, before New Yawkers.)

New York was playoff-bound in each of its first 10 seasons, nine of those under the leadership of Joe Lapchick,
the coaching genius whose 326 career wins helped him carve a niche in the Hall of Fame.

Know this: the New York Knicks own two NBA Championship Titles: from the 1969-70 season and with the
1972-73 team.

3. Who were (some of) the best teams Ever?

1964-65 Boston Celtics
62 - 18 (.775)
Bill Russell, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, ... Won the Celtics' seventh consecutive NBA championship...Battled the
Philadelphia 76ers in an East Finals, winning Game Seven 110-109; John Havlicek's deflection at game's end produced
the legendary "Havlicek stole the ball!" radio call ...Defeated the L.A. Lakers 4-1 in 1965 NBA Finals.

1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers

68 - 13 (.840)
Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Chet Walker and Billy Cunningham, started season 46-4 … Ended Celtics' run of eight
consecutive championships by defeating Boston 4-1 in Eastern Division Finals...Defeated the San Francisco Warriors 4-
2 in 1967 NBA Finals.

1971-72 L.A. Lakers

69 - 13 (.841)
Gail Goodrich, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Jim McMillian and Happy Hairston … Lakers first championship of the
Los Angeles era...at one point: won 33 consecutive games, a record that still stands...Won NBA record 16 consecutive
road games...Best road winning percentage in NBA history (.816; 31-7)...Defeated New York 4-1 in 1972 NBA Finals.

1985-86 Boston Celtics

67 - 15 (.817)
Stung by a 4-2 loss to the L.A. Lakers in the 1985 NBA Finals, Larry Bird led the Celtics featuring Robert Parish, Kevin
McHale, Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge and a rejuvenated Bill Walton to a 4-2 defeat of Houston in the 1986 NBA
Finals...Posted 40-1 record at Boston Garden, best home winning percentage (.976) in NBA history.

1995-96 Chicago Bulls

72 - 10 (.878)
Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, Bulls shattered record for most wins in a regular season...Won
87 of 100 games, including the playoffs...Ron Harper, Luc Longley, Toni Kukoc and Steve Kerr rounded out core of
driven team...Started season an 41-3...Jordan's first full season since returning from retirement.
KNOW THIS:
1969-70 New York Knicks
60 - 22 (.732)
Willis Reed “The Captain”, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Dick Barnett, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley and Cazzie Russell
…one of the best passing teams in NBA history...New York's first NBA Championship defeating Los Angeles 4-3 in the
memorable 1970 NBA Finals...Captain Willis Reed, who missed Game Six due to a torn leg muscle, hobbled onto the
Madison Square Garden floor before Game Seven and scored New York's first two baskets to inspire the Knicks to a
113-99 victory. Lost state: Walt Frazier scored 36 points and 19 assists.
 4. Who are the best players ever?

See: 50 Greatest Players

Top Scorers: (doesn’t mean they’re the best players)

Career Points Scored in Regular Season

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387

2. Karl Malone 36,928

3. Michael Jordan 32,292

4. Wilt Chamberlain 31,419

5. Julius Erving 30,026

Bill Russell, Jerry West, Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird (we’ll get to the Best Knicks later)

5. Who are the best players now?

Top Scorers: (doesn’t mean they’re the best players)

1. Shaquille O’Neal 28,255
2. Kobe Bryant 25,790
3. Allen Iverson 24,368
4. Kevin Garnett 22,267
5. Dirk Nowitzki 21,111

2009-20010 All-NBA
1st Team 2nd Team 3rd Team
LeBron James, F (Cleveland) Carmelo Anthony, F (Denver) Tim Duncan, F (San Antonio)
Kevin Durant, F (Oklahoma Dirk Nowitzki, F (Dallas) Pau Gasol, F (Lakers)
City)
Amare Stoudemire, C Andrew Bogut, C (Milwaukee)
Dwight Howard, C (Orlando) (Phoenix)
Joe Johnson, G (Atlanta)
Kobe Bryant, G (Lakers) Steve Nash, G (Phoenix)
Brandon Roy, G (Portland)
Dwayne Wade, G (Miami) Deron Williams, G (Utah)
 10. How do you play the game?
a. NBA Court dimensions

• 94 feet long
• 50 feet wide
• divided in half by a line “midcourt line”

Backboard:

• 6 feet horizontally
• 3 1/2 feet vertically
o basket ring attached to the backboard
 10 feet above the floor and 18 inches in diameter
 two-inch white rectangle is centered behind the basket ring, with outside dimensions of 24 inches
horizontally and 18 inches vertically.

Basketball:

• 9 inches in diameter
• 7.5 to 8.5 pounds of pressure

Baseline: The line at each end of the court (endline)

o middle of the basket is 5 feet 3 inches from the baseline.

Centre Circle: center of the midcourt line.

o 12 feet in diameter (The opening tipoff takes place at the centre circle.)

Free Throw Line: marking at the top of the lane, players stand behind this line when shooting free throws

o line is 15 feet from the backboard.

Lane: painted area of the court between the baseline and free throw line. Also called the key because in the early years it
was key-shaped, until it was widened more than double it’s width creating the present rectangular shape

o 16 feet wide.

Three-Point Line: painted as an arc, a field goal taken from beyond this line is worth 3 points.

o 23 feet 9 inches at the top ….. 22 feet on the baselines

 b. Moving Forward, let’s get to the Point and Center in on positions …
i. Using Playoff Players as examples
POINT GUARD
Like a quarterback in football, a movie director, general …. calls the plays and directs the offense. Gets the ball
to his teammates where they can score, success is predominantly judged on his assists. Usually the best passer
and dribbler on the team. Often the smallest, quickest players on the team. Can also be called the one, “plays
the point,” “Runs the point”

Derek Fisher, Lakers

Steve Nash, Suns
Jameer Nelson, Magic
Rajon Rondo, Celtics

SHOOTING GUARD
Able to shoot from the outside, provides scoring punch. Usually taller than point guards, may take more shots.
It’s the #2 position on the floor, can be called the two guard or the off guard.

Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Jason Richardson, Suns
Vince Carter, Magic
Ray Allen, Celtics

SMALL FORWARD
Prolific scorer and strong defender. Versatility as an athlete is important, must be big enough to play close to
the basket, but quick enough to play on the perimeter. The #3 position on the floor, can be called a three man.

Ron Artest, Lakers

Grant Hill, Suns
Matt Barnes, Magic
Paul Pierce, Celtics

POWER FORWARD
Handles more physical elements of the game: rebounding and defense. Some of the strongest players on a
basketball team. This is the #4 position , can also be referred to as a post player, because he spends time in the
low post (close to the basket).

Pau Gasol, Lakers

Amare Staudemire, Suns
Rashard Lewis, Magic
Kevin Garnett, Celtics

CENTER
Relied upon at both ends of the floor. Must be able to score inside (close to the basket), block shots and
rebound. Usually the tallest player, most NBA centers are close to seven feet, if not taller. The centre is the #5
position on the floor, often referred to as a big man or post player.

Andrew Bynum, Lakers … Channing Frye, Suns … Dwight Howard, Magic … Kendrick Perkins, Celtics
 c. Top of the Key Definitions to throw around at sports bars or the gym…

*Fun webpage with terns you hear broadcasters use or in highlights on Sports Center:

www.nba.com/canada/Basketball_U_on_Hoops_Lingo-Canada_Generic_Article-18055.html

clean the glass…break ankles…finish around the basket… mismatch…posterize…swingman

Assist: A pass that sets up a scored basket, immediately leads to the shot

Blocks: The area in the lane near the basket and baseline, underneath the rim.

Dribble: movement of the ball, whether a tap, or bounce, by the player in control

Double-double: When a player scores double-digits in 2 categories during one game (points, assists and
rebounds are most common, but it can also be blocks or steals)

Dunk: When a player jumps to strongly throw the ball down into the basket

Foul: “personal foul” A violation from illegal contact with an opposing player

Free throw: A privilege given to a player to score one point with an unhindered attempt from directly behind
the free throw line.

Jump shot: A shot released after the shooter jumps into the air.

Inbound the ball: throwing the ball into the area of play within the baselines and sidelines, used after a foul, or
team turnover.

Key: “free-throw lane” or “lane;” the area (12 feet in width) extending from the free-throw line to the end line.

Lay up: A shot taken close to the basket where the player “lays in” the ball

Perimeter: The area beyond the foul circle away from the basket, including 3-point line, from which players
take long-range shots. (perimeter shot vs. inside shot)

post: an offensive position played close to the basket along the key.

rebound: when a player gains possession of the ball after a missed shot (usually bouncing off rim or
backboard), offensive rebound, when player continues his own teams possession.

Screen: “pick” when an offensive player stands between a teammate and a defender to give his teammate a
chance to take an open shot.
 d. X’s and O’s of the most important rules…

Fouls – 6 personal fouls and a player must leave game. Each team gets 5 team fouls,
once over 5, team in the penalty and any foul leads to a free throw
• Offensive (by shooter, change of possession, no basket, personal foul)
• Shooting (by defender on player in act of shooting, awarded Free throw)
• on the floor (by defender on player dribbling, passing, receiving pass)
• clear path (when player with possession has clear, open path to basket, not in act
of shooing, on breakaways, awarded FT)
• flagrant (intentional/hard)
o Team fouls: Each personal foul committed by a player is also counted
against his team; when a team goes over the limit, its opponent is awarded
free-throw opportunities.

Technical foul:
A foul that does not involve contact with an opponent but involves
unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, coach or non-player; or a contact foul
committed by a player while the ball is dead.

24 second shot clock: starts when a team gains new possession of the ball. On a
throw-in, the 24-second clock starts when the ball is touched on the court by a player.
A team must attempt a field goal within 24 seconds after gaining possession of the ball.

8 second rule: at the beginning of a possession the offensive team has 8 seconds to get
the ball over the half court line, otherwise, it’s a team turnover. (referee counts on the
court)

goal tending: when a defender deflects a ball from going in the basket when the ball is
in or directly above the cylinder, when ball is on it’s way down, or bouncing off the
glass, basket is counted even though ball doesn’t go through the hoop

walk “traveling”: A violation occurring when a player with the ball takes a step
without dribbling (moving the established pivot foot).

double dribble: A violation that occurs when a player dribbles the ball with two hands
simultaneously or stops dribbling and then dribbles again.
11.How does the season work?

• 82 games in a regular season

• at the end of the regular season the top 8 teams in each conference make the post-
season
• the teams are seeded 1-8 by their record
• format includes 1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6, 4 v 5
• each conference plays 3 rounds until a conference championship is won
• the winner of each conference face each other in the NBA Finals
• all rounds are the best of 7 games

12.What the heck is going on in the playoffs?

a. Eastern Conference Championship
i. Boston Celtics (50-32), 4-seed
a. Lead series 3-1
b. Defeated Miami Heat in first round, shocked Cleveland
Cavaliers (61-21) in second round
c. Trying to win 18th NBA Title
ii. Orlando Magic (59-23), 2 seed
a. Undefeated through first 2 round beating Charlotte
Bobcats then Atlanta Hawks
b. Were in Finals last season (lost to LA Lakers)
c. Never Won an NBA title
b. Western Conference Championship
i. Los Angeles Lakers (57-25), top seed
a. Lead series 3-1 *playing Tuesday
b. Defeated Oklahoma City Thunder in first round, Utah
Jazz in 2nd round
c. Reigning NBA Champions
d. Trying to win 17th NBA title
ii. Phoenix Suns (54-28), 3-seed
a. Defeated the Portland Trailblazers in the first round, and
the San Antonio Spurs in 2nd round
b. Never Won an NBA Title

13.Will the Knicks ever make it back to the playoffs?

**YES … and SOON**
a. Introducing… one of the men who will help take them there:
Knicks Assistant Coach Phil Weber
THE NBA SEASON DOESN’T END WITH THE FINALS

6. What is all this talk about free agency?

A player not under contract to any NBA team because his contract has expired. Has the ability to
choose which team he wants to play for, as per the teams who offer the player a contract.

7. Who the heck are these free agents that are causing all this fuss?

LeBron James - Two-time NBA MVP, from Akron, Ohio (Cleveland), he’s the guy
everyone wants. After Kobe (with 5 rings), best player in league, but doesn’t have a
championship ring.

Dwyane Wade - Expected to stay in Miami (Only top free agent with an NBA Title),
can score 40 points in a quarter, did it to NYK

Amar'e Stoudemire – 5 time All-Star, big man, rookie of the year, still young, very
athletic, could be the key to attracting LeBron, good with media, played for D’Antoni
in Phoenix

Chris Bosh - All-Star PF would be a great complement to LeBron because he can carry
an offense.

Dirk Nowitzki – Recently opted out of final year of contract, can still negotiate and re-
sign with Dallas

Joe Johnson – major talent, played for Mike D’Antoni in Phoenix, says “I love Coach
D’Antoni”
8. Who’s on the Knicks now?

2010 Free Agents Signed for 2010-2011

RESTRICTED Danilo Gallinari
Sergio Rodriguez Wilson Chandler
Toney Douglas
UNRESTRICTED Eddy Curry
Jonathan Bender
Earl Barron (allowed 15 roster spots)
Chris Duhon
J.R. Giddens
Al Harrington
Eddie House
David Lee
Tracy McGrady
Bill Walker
 9. Who were the best Knicks?

WALT FRAZIER - “Clyde” … Stylish, legendary floor general of both Knicks championship teams… … Seven-time NBA
All-Star (MVP of 1975 Game), four time All-NBA first team selection and seven-time All-Defensive pick … Named one of
50 Greatest Players of NBA’s first half-century … The all-time Knicks leader in assists (4,791), and is second in games
(759), minutes (28,995) and total points (14,617) … Helped forge Knicks’ first NBA title in ’70 with virtuoso performance
(36 pts, 19 ast, 12-12 FTA) in Game Seven finale vs. Lakers … Hall of Fame 1987

DICK BARNETT - ace for both Knicks title teams … Averaged 15.6 points in nine Knicks seasons, including 23.1 points
per game in 1965-66 … 1968 NBA All-Star … Averaged 14.9 points for 1970 NBA Champs …

EARL MONROE - “The Pearl” … Brought Showmanship to Garden in stunning trade with Bullets, Nov. 10, 1971 …
Played nine seasons with Knicks (1971-72 through 1979-80) … Averaged 16.2 points as a Knick, including 20.9 points in
1974-75 and 20.7 in 1975-76 … Earned long-awaited NBA Championship ring’73, four-time NBA All-Star (twice with
Knicks) … Named one of NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of League’s first half-century …

DICK MCGUIRE - “Tricky Dick” … Hall of Famer has shaped franchise’s destiny as player, head coach, assistant coach,
chief scout, five All-Star Game designations and leading Knicks to three straight appearances in NBA Finals (1951-52-53)
… Led

WILLIS REED -“The Captain” … Backbone of both Knicks championship teams … Ten seasons in New York resulted in
seven All-Star Game appearances and five All-NBA designations (first or second team) … One of 50 Greatest Players of
NBA’s first half century … Averaged 21.7 points in 1969-70 championship season, becoming first NBA player to earn
“Triple Crown” of awards (MVP of regular season, All-Star Game and Finals) … Hall of Fame

DAVE DEBUSSCHERE - Hard-nosed blue collar hero proved to be final piece of Knicks’ championship puzzle upon
acquisition from Detroit in December ’68 … NBA All-Defensive honors six times with Knicks, and All-Star Game
designation in each of his five full seasons with New York … Named one of NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of League’s first
half-century … Hall of Fame

BILL BRADLEY - “Dollar Bill” … Followed legendary college career at Princeton with 10-year Knick tenure in which he
played a key role on both championship teams … 14.5 scoring average for NBA Champions in 1969-70, and career high
16.1 in second championship season of 1972-73 … 1973 NBA All-Star … Hall of Fame in 1982

PATRICK EWING “The Big Fella” … Center of attention for the longest sustained period of success in franchise history,
as Hall of Famer became the all-time club leader in virtually every category and arguably the greatest player to wear the
orange and blue … Seven-time All-NBA selection, three-time All-Defensive, 11-time All-Star … Named one of the 50
Greatest Players in NBA History … 1986 NBA Rookie of the Year … All-time Knicks leader in total points (23,665), games
played (1,039), rebounds (10,759), blocks (2,758), steals (1.061) and minutes (37, 586) … Played 15 (of 17) seasons in Knicks
livery, by far the most in club history … Led Knicks to Playoffs for 13 consecutive years, including three Atlantic Division
titles, four appearances in Conference Finals and Eastern Conference titles in 1994 and 1999 … Hall of Fame of 2008.

*nyknicks.com
 5. How can I keep up, and keep talkin’ hoops?

www.nba.com www.hoopsworld.com
www.nyknicks.com www.espn.com/nba
www.usabasketball.com www.si.com/nba

Twitter

@MSGTina … me
@NBA … NBA League News
@thenyknicks … Knicks Twitter Feed
@STEIN_LINE_HQ … Marc Stein, ESPN NBA Insider
@mcuban … Mark Cuban, Owner, Dallas Mavericks

@THE_REAL_SHAQ @gallinari8888
Shaquille O'Neil Danilo Gallinari
Cleveland Cavaliers - Center New York Knicks - Forward
2,914,854 followers 7750 followers

@DwightHoward @amareisreal
Dwight Howard Amar'e Stoudemire
Orlando Magic - Center Phoenix Suns (FA) - Power Forward
1,569,498 followers 71724 followers

@paulpierce34 @chrisbosh
Paul Pierce Chris Bosh
Boston Celtics - Forward Toronto Raptors (FA) - Forward
1,535,903 followers 115168 followers

@kaj33 @jalenrose
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jalen Rose
Retired NBA - Center, Lakers Retired – Guard, ESPN
1,187,450 followers 87678 followers

FINAL TIP- in: ***Quick line if the Knicks do not get LeBron through Free Agency …
“Ahhh, that’s alright, I’d rather have Melo and CP3 next year. ” ****